about hydro electricity
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definition
Hydro electricity is renewable energy sourced from running water. Australia has a number of large hydroelectric schemes, the most famous being the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. Hydro electricity currently accounts for 97% of Australia's renewable energy consumption - solar, wind, biomass and geothermal account for the remaining 3%. In terms of total electricity generation, hydro electric power represents 10% of Australian production and 18% of world production.
how hydro electricity works
Hydro electricity works by utilising the power of falling water from dams, rivers and waterfalls. Most commonly, power stations are located near dams because the storage and release of water can be controlled. The water is directed through a generator and turns the blades of a turbine. The rotation of the turbine creates electricity in the generator which is passed in to the electricity grid.
advantages of hydro electric
There are many advantages from using water to generate electricity:
- Water is a renewable resource and does not emit greenhouse gases
- Water can be stored, therefore the amount of electricity generated can be managed to meet demand
- Hydroelectric power stations, once constructed, are relatively inexpensive to operate
- Costs can be shared with other usage such as irrigation and water supply
- Cheaper than mining for fossil fuels and less invasive
disadvantages of hydro electric
However, hydro power has some significant disadvantages:
- Hydro electric schemes usually rely on the construction of dams which can have significant environmental effects on river flows, water quality, flora and fauna
- Hydro-electric schemes are expensive to construct
- Finding new suitable sites can be difficult
- In times of drought, a common occurrence in Australia, water supplies can be reduced drastically thereby reducing the amount of electricity that can be generated
